Hey I'm heading up Orizaba in late December with the goal of making the summit on Christmas day. I am wondering what the cheapest/best way to get to the Piedra Grande hut from Tlachichuca would be. I've know walking from Tlachichuca is supposed to be great but unfortunately I don't have the time on this trip. I would book a ride with Reyes or another company but it seems kinda pricey, I'm wondering if i should just show up and try and jump on a ride with another group already going up. What do you guys think would be best from experience down there. Thanks,Mike

Hi Mike. Indeed, I'd go and ask, or call, if Conchola or Reyes or another agency is driving a group to the hut, then you can join them. If not, I am also guessing that during the Christmas holidays plenty of tourists, especially on a Sunday, drive up the mountain as far as the road allows them or even to the hut with a 4WD. You could try and hitch a ride by the road then... Good luck

We didn't, but I've read trip reports from people who just showed up and found a ride. People there are friendly and it will be obvious what you're there for, I'd guess finding a ride from a local with a truck would be pretty easy. That said, we used Reyes on two occasions and weren't disappointed. It was more money, but they take care of you. We also had them provide fresh food in coolers for the hut and that meant we brought less (leaving room for important things like a full-sized air mattress), and that we had tasty fresh food instead of freeze dried crap. Check out my guide for some more ideas, it's posted here: http://www.summitpost.org/a-colorado-climber-s-guide-to-the-roof-of-mexico/684957.